Louisville’s Pan-African Studies Department is celebrating their 42nd anniversary this year. The department facilitates the broad study of African American society and culture. Major, minor, and graduate programs are available to students. Their mission is to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of African history and prepare them for potential careers related to this field of study.
The department was founded in 1973, a time when racism was a more active societal threat in comparison to today. In 1954, the Brown vs. Board of Education trial resulted in the desegregation of education. Universities began to incorporate a more diverse curriculum to better facilitate the needs of African American students. The curriculum was altered to include a wide array of Black Studies courses. According to the Pan African Studies Department, there are reportedly 300 educational institutions that offer such course programs. The University of Louisville is the only school in Kentucky that offers degrees through their Pan African Studies Department.
UofL started offering black studies courses in 1969 for which they hired on new staff. This later tied in to the establishment of the Pan African Studies Department. Though many course programs did not last at the University, the Department thrived due to the encouragement and support of the community. President Donald Swain set into action a Plan to Enhance the Department of Pan-African Studies. This plan helped the department to expand, incorporating more programs and staff.
There are currently fifteen staff members in the department who specialize in various fields pertaining to Pan-African studies. The faculty work together to research and cultivate new methods of learning for students, an endeavor they hope will achieve international commendation and support. Throughout the years, the department has received commendations for its efforts. It was in the top tenth international percentile of Black Studies programs in 1997. In 2009, the National Council for Black Studies honored the department with the Outstanding Institutional Achievement in African Studies award.
The University of Louisville prides itself on its ability to provide students with an all-encompassing education that prepares them for modern society and the workforce. When the Pan African Studies program was founded, American society was still lacking in diversity and equality. The program has played a significant role in students’ educational development for over 40 years. Their contributions to society encourage students to explore cultural diversity and, in turn, promote equality.
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